The Dark Conqueror

Battle Lords of de Velt #5

by Kathryn Le Veque

Titan Medieval Houses go head to head in this sweeping and poignant Medieval Romance!

When the House of de Lohr (Rise of the Defender) and the House of de Velt (The Dark Lord) come together through their children, anything can happen—and anything does!

Cassian de Velt came to foster with Christopher de Lohr at a young age. From nearly the first day he arrived at Lioncross Abbey Castle, his gaze was drawn to Brielle de Lohr, Christopher’s second eldest daughter. As children, they shared a friendship that was strong and innocent—enjoying the same things, having the same sense of humor. All of the things that made a strong friendship develop into a love that could not be broken.

Unfortunately, they were only teenagers when Cassian asked Brielle to run away with him so they could be married. That lapse in judgement brought the wrath of Brielle’s father and Cassian was banished. Ashamed and angered, Cassian refused to return home to his family, instead, finding a lucrative position with the elderly Earl of Colchester. When the earl suffers a reversal of fortune at the hands of the king, Cassian is out of a job.

He finds his calling—and his fortune—on the tournament circuit as the knight known as The Dark Conqueror.

Cassian always hoped to build his fortune, and his reputation, and return for Brielle. That has been his one goal. Ten years later, he returns for her, rich and powerful. Brielle is thrilled to see him again, for in all those years, she never married. She refused to entertain suitors. But Cassian returns with a secret, something he won’t speak of, something Brielle only becomes aware of through his odd behavior. When Brielle’s sister, a former spy for William Marshal, begins to probe, an astonishing story begins to emerge. What was thought to be a secret is really, in truth, a duty.

To another woman.

Will Cassian’s duty to one woman be enough to prevent the marriage to the only woman he’s ever loved?

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2021

About the author

Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
💋💋

This book is uplifting and heart wrenching all at the same time.

A Knight, through immaturity and hurt, throws his life into turmoil and deserts his friends and family, and his love, hoping and find peace and forgiveness by leaving.

Cass and Brie have loved one another for years, but love is not always enough to build a life on.
Now the two must try to rebuild their lives and hope to find each other along the way.

Excellent book, Kathryn warns at the beginning to get tissues handy, she’s not wrong.
This is a tear jerker and a great love story.
Don’t miss it.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent second-chance romance!

Wow, what a legendary love! Brie and Cass have known each other since childhood and became completely committed to each other as young adults, only to be separated by a tragic combination of the arrogance of youth and the impermanence of life. It takes quite a few years before they cross paths again and try to overcome the anger, hurt, mistrust, grief, and betrayal.

I loved how there was never any doubt - not to them, not to their families - of how right Cass and Brie are for each other, and how much they love each other. Their journey is all about how love sometimes isn't enough, and how wise counsel is a most valuable gift.

I absolutely live for the times when I can get lost in this author's medieval world. The attention to detail is glorious. The large-scale scope is impressive, encompassing the wild political landscape at the time without losing focus on the very personal story at the heart of it all. She effortlessly blends intrigue, treason, and espionage with a beautiful story of love, loss, and legacy. The scenes are exquisitely realistic, right down to the adorably unruly children, and make the reader feel as though they're right in the thick of the action.

As with all this author's books, the HEA is beautifully inspirational. The way she builds upon multiple generations serves as a built-in epilogue for all the characters we recognize from earlier books, and the list of this couple's progeny reminds us that there are always more stories to be told.

If you enjoy medieval romances, I highly recommend this book as well as anything written by this author. It simply doesn't get any better than this. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those who love Author Kathryn Le Veque’s medieval romances, the chance to revisit the powerful deLohr family is an exciting prospect.

Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young love that could not be denied. Unfortunately, their fathers wanted him to mature a little more before they married. He left and did not return. Where did he go?

Cassian had felt betrayed by his father and Brielle's when they asked for them to wait to marry in five years. They were young and Cass needed more time to mature. Then a tragedy struck and Cassian set out on his own.

Seven years later, they meet again... But Cassian is not the young man who left Brielle. He is now known as "The Dark Conqueror" on the tournament circuit. Can they still find the love they had and forgiveness? What about the secrets?

Wowza, a story to make you cry, feel the angst of these two and long for the happiness to be found.
Kathryn Le Veque amazes us again with her powerful stories that will leave you only wanting more!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was an enjoyable read about 2 young lovers torn apart, but meet again years later. A de Lohr and de Velt have fallen in love with each other and haven known it since they were young children. Brielle is a stubborn girl, who has the interests of men's activities. Cassian does not mind Brielle's interests, for they are able to bond over them. Cassian is the youngest of his siblings, has been spoiled, and is immature. Brielle and Cassian want to marry, but Brielle will not go against her family. Cassian is told he needs to grow in wisdom and maturity, to which he feels betrayed. A terrible event causes their separation, only to meet again years later, both having changed and keeping secrets from each other. Both want to reconcile, but Brielle is deeply hurt by Cassian's disappearance and Cassian does not feel worthy of Brielle. Will they be able to reconcile their feelings before it tares them apart?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please excuse me while I finish sobbing! Omigosh, what a heart wrenching and yet heartwarming story this is. My heart aches and but it's also smiling, Kathryn Le Veque sure knows how to write the words that go straight to the heart. As an example, this sentence from the book will forever stay with me...."As long as you walk the earth, I will never be happy if I am not with you."

This is Cassian and Brielle's story and it's one that will have you crying and laughing, sometimes both at the same time! When Cassian abruptly leaves Brielle, family and friends, for reasons of his own and stays away for 7 years, they don't know whether he's dead or alive. Then one day, during a tournament, he comes face to face with his beloved Brielle but it will take more heartbreak before they can finally have their HEA.

Once again, I loved seeing the various characters from previous books, that's always a bonus:) Well written and definitely recommend.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly emotional tale, there is so much pain and anguish that one could weep for the main characters. Having seen the devastating effects of last words spoken in anger to a loved one, I can only imagine how Cassian felt. However, Brielle's deep hurt is even more devastating. Cassian took the long road, but he eventually did make it home, but unfortunately, those old hurts and anger surfaced once again and almost destroy the best thing in his life. Fortunately, Cassian had matured to an extent that he is finally able to acknowledge the error of his ways and the story does come to a happy and hopeful conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassius De Velt and Brielle De Lohr have been in love since they met as children.  Everyone knows they will eventually marry, but their fathers insist they must wait.  

That decision doesn't go down well with our emotional hero.  Devastating news a few months later turns his world upside down and he hates himself. 

Our heroine will have life changing matters to face herself.  Luckily she has a large and loving family to lean on.  

This medieval romance will have you reaching for a big box of tissues in more than one place.  Our author knows how to make us feel all the emotions of her characters.  We giggle over the silliness and cry at the sadness.  I have read so many of her books that the characters feel like a huge family I go back to visit time and time again.  Although we often meet characters from other books,  no two books are even remotely similar. We get fresh adventures everytime.  I don't even bother to read the blurb for her books. I just automatically buy them,  because I know I will love it.  

Great book as always.  

I loved it.  

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

le veque

This has been a much anticipated release for me. Brielle is a intelligent likeable heroine but I find her hero to be a little immature even at the end of the storyline after he’s supposedly mature. The politics are intriguing and the flashes of the de lohr and Sherrington families is enjoyable.

[Missy White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

Kathryn Le Veque is by far one of my all time favorite authors and that will never change. I was so excited when release day arrived and I immediately began reading this book. I have to admit that I was disappointed. Without giving away the story, I found the character of Caspian to be lacking, and at times not very likable, even in the end. It just wasn't what I had expected for a story about a beloved de Lohr.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. Surprises about Cassian and loved to get back to the family connections. Plenty of action and secrets. But when his intentions are rebuffed by Brielle's father, he leaves and along the way aquires his fortune and status and power. After 10 years he comes back to claim Brielle, but their story is far from over. Excellent read. HEA. I just reviewed The Dark Conqueror by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheDarkConqueror #NetGalley

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic medieval story from a talented author. A strong love story of young and impetuous characters, of loss and a second chance at a HEA. This couple needs to overcome a reunion that is filled with intrigue and bumps along the road.

[Mel T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cass and Brielle's story - childhood sweethearts, they are faced with some obstacles - Cass is young and immature and it takes some time before they find their way back to each other. I'm looking forward to more stories from these families.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Dark Conqueror is another good novel by the prolific Kathryn Le Veque. (How she keeps such diligent track of so many family dynasties and their interwoven stories is a mystery to me.) It starts with a prologue, when Brielle de Lohr and Cassian de Velt are in their early 20s. They've been sweethearts since Cassian arrived at age 12 to foster with Christopher de Lohr, Brielle's father. More recently, they've become lovers. When Cassian finally asks Christopher for Brielle's hand, he's both disappointed and humiliated to be told that he needs more time to mature before the two can wed. Even worse, he discovers that his own beloved father, Ajax, feels the same way. Angry words are exchanged, mostly on Cassian's part, and he storms off. When he finds out later that his father perished on the battlefield--not a spoiler because it happens in a previous book and the author mentions it in her preface--he feels destroyed. He heads off to his family's stronghold, presumably, but changes his mind at the last minute and begins to roam, leaving no word to anyone. When Christopher finally contacts the de Velt family, he discovers that Cassian never arrived, and they all fear the worst.

Eventually, Cassian ends up swearing fealty to the Earl of St. Albans, and he lives with him for several years. The earl was an apparent sympathizer of King John, however, and after John's death, life became precarious. Cassian helps the earl and his wife escape to London, and then he and another night, Beau (a de Russe), begin to make their living in tournaments.

It's at a tournament that the de Lohrs discover the Cassian is alive and well, and they begin damage control. There are things Cass doesn't know about Brielle, and there's a lot of explaining he has to do. The rest of the book pretty much follows those two plot points. Will Brielle ever forgive Cass and be able to trust him again? Will Cass ever grow up and take responsibility for his actions? The author only writes HEAs, so there's pretty good chance that the answer to both questions is yes. The question for the reader, then, is if the author does it well.

For me, for the most part, the answer is yes. Cass and Brielle are both likeable, and you do want them to get back together. Unlike other reviewers though, I don't really think Cass grew up in the intervening years as much as we were led to believe. Yes, he shows great loyalty to the man who took him in when he was alone and depressed. But the young man who lived with and loved Brielle at the beginning of the book was also kind. Yes, he sometimes displayed childish bursts of temper, but I don't feel like the early version of Cass was really that immature. Grown-up Cass was a bit of a disappointment to me though. He only reunites with Brielle at this particular moment because he runs into her at a tournament. He says he would have eventually sought her out, but I'm not sure that I believe it. The book's blurb leads us to believe that he has a shocking and surprising tale to explain his disappearance, but there really isn't all that much to it. Brielle is the one with the real surprises.

I liked Brielle a lot more than I liked Cass. I do wish that some of the descriptions of her played out in actions though. Supposedly, she's as good as any man at tournament skills like jousting, but that teaser never comes to fruition in this novel. We are also supposed to believe that some of her choices and behaviors contribute to the ongoing miscommunication between her and Cass, but I really didn't see much fault in any of her actions.

Overall, it's a good story that is never a dull. If you're a fan of this author, you'll undoubtedly like it. If you've never read any of her novels, the book can still be read as a standalone. The book's drama comes in the form of relationships and not really in danger, so if that's not your thing, you might want to give it a pass. Otherwise, it's a worthwhile read even if it wasn't my favorite by this author.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Conqueror by Kathryn Le Veque is a love story with a twist. Cassian de Velt is the son of the famous Ajax de Velt who, through the love of a good woman, disavowed his murderous ways and became the best of husbands and fathers. Cass had been with Christopher de Lohr at Lioncross Abbey since he was twelve years old and had lover, Chris' daughter, Brielle, since that first day. They had been lovers for several years and Cass finally decided to beard the lion in his den, and ask for her hand in marriage. His father was present, so it was the perfect time. The two fathers had already discussed the situation as it was common knowledge and it was only a matter of time before Cass came to Chris for his blessing. Chris was happy to give his permission to wed with the proviso that they wait five years. Neither parent felt Cass was mature enough or had lived enough to marry at this point. Cass was beyond upset and fought with his father as he father left for home. When the news came several months later, Cass was devastated and realized that his last words to his father were not as he would have wished and that Jax had been right when he called him immature. He didn't know what else to do so he ran . . . from himself.

Cass had a very active imagination and he assumed he knew how others felt and how they would react. It was, in fact, a result of his immaturity that he reacted as he did and carried mistaken beliefs with him for so many years. He did, eventually, grow into the man he was meant to be but not without some miscommunication and wrong turns. He loved Bri, together or apart, and nothing would ever change that. In the foreword, le Veque recommended that the reader have a box of tissues handy and in that she was not wrong. This was a beautifully written book, full of love and angst and self-reprisal. How le Veque continues to write such plots is amazing in itself. She always manages to find new ways to disrupt a relationship. She is an amazing author and this is a wonderful book.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Dark Conqueror by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #kathrynleveque #thedarkconqueror

[C Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these de Lohr women!!! I know this book is listed in the Battle Lords of de Velt series--and it does belong there--but to me this book belongs to the strong daughters of Christopher and Dustin de Lohr. We've already seen their eldest daughter Christin's story (if you haven't yet read A TIME OF END, do that now), and we've read about their older brother Peter in THE SPLENDID HOUR, and now it's time for Brielle's story--and what a story it is!

Brielle has been in love with Cassian de Velt since she was a child, and he in love with her. But their fathers think they're too young to marry, and Cassian storms away in a fit of anger, and they don't see each other for many years. While away, Cassian has matured and gained some wisdom and turned into a truly noble knight. Their reuniting, while not without pain, was beautiful, and all the old hurts are overcome as they can finally come together again.

Kathryn le Veque really hit the ball out of the park with this one. Plus, we get to see Ajax de Velt and Christopher de Lohr together again and relish the friendship they've developed. Plus David de Lohr, Dashiel du Reims, and Alexander de Sherrington appear, plus some great breadcrumbs to the other Executioner Knights.

Cassian is the youngest de Velt child and I'm so happy we finally get to see his story. We've been teased about this story in his older siblings books. His sister Allaston got her man in DEVIL'S DOMINION, and his brother Coleby gets the girl in THE DARK SPAWN. If you haven't read those books, you're really missing out.

We've even met some of Cassian and Brielle's children and grandchildren in previously published le Veque books. Their granddaughter Diamantha is the heroine of THE QUESTING, and their son Tenner is the hero of BAY OF FEAR. One small inconsistency: Evanthe (mother of Diamantha) is listed in the list of children of Cassian & Brielle at the end of the book, but Tenner is not in that list. But in the Author Notes of BAY OF FEAR it clearly states that Tenner de Velt is the younger brother of Evanthe. I hope Ms. le Veque hasn't forgotten about him!

Can't wait for Julian de Velt's story coming soon in DARK ANGEL!

[Rozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassian de Velt has lived with Christopher de Lohr most of his life; fostering as a knight and falling more for Christopher’s daughter Brielle de Lohr. Cassian is off fighting the Welsh coming out victorious. So, Cassian goes back to Christopher’s home. Cassian and Brielle are back together again spending a magical night expressing that love consummating their relationship despite not being married. Cassian decides that now is the time to ask Christopher for Brielle’s hand in marriage, especially since his father, Ajax is visiting too. Cassian works up the nerve to finally broach marriage to them both. Christopher and Ajax agree that Cassian is too young to marry Brielle; telling him he must wait to marry. Cassian is offended and harsh words are said. Ajax leaves but Cassian is to upset with him to even say goodbye which turns out to be his worst mistake. Cassian flees escaping his life and Brielle, but Cassian never realizes what he has done, destroying everything including everyone’s life.
What a fantastic medieval romance that spans the ages! The book mostly focuses on strong familial ties with people who also love you which is a bit different than the horrors of war. The story moves fluidly the writing with nary any spelling errors reads easily. All the characters no matter if they are major or minor are very well told, real and three-dimensional. Cassian the brash hotheaded hero starts out as immature and passionate. Yes, so many things happen to him which it is easy to understand his regret, but despite his mistakes he’s relatable and very human. Brielle the truthful and always faithful to Cassian is admirable yet really understanding. Of course, she does jump prematurely to conclusions and gets mad at Cassian without letting him explain too. Sometimes they both act childish but they are spirited. The love that they feel for each other is easily felt. Ms. Kathryn Le Veque knows how to tell an intriguing involved read with captivating plot twists and engaging characters which is well worth the read!

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS

What an emotional story - oh my goodness!

I own more KLV books that I do any other author's. One of my all time favorites is THE DARK LORD! To get a glimpse of him in this story was bittersweet. It starts out with my heart warmed that I got to visit an old friend, but sadness soon came and held me in its grips.

The H is really nothing like his father. He turns out to be kind, caring and loyal in the end, but the reason he leaves is off putting. He is only thinking of himself and not what it will do to his family - no spoiler - sorry. Couldn't even send a note to his mom? Yes, Jax proved he was correct about his son, but in 7 years he still thought only of what he needed?

Then he goes to work for a man who was responsible for someone's death - what? I had a problem with that. Even if the King was dead the man supported him.

There is mild lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 3 out of 5.

Not your usual strong type of knights - many emotional and crying scenes, which didn't bother me. No villains in this story nor huge fight scenes - except off page. Some fighting but only in the tournaments.

No cheating, I liked the part where the H confesses to the h what he hadn't done - touching! No cliffhanger, HEA, some romance, miscommunication and a tad of spice.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and love were difficult for Cassian and Brielle.

Cassien deVelt (youngest son of Ajax, the Dark Lord) and Brielle deLohr (second daughter of Christopher, Defender of the Realm) had loved each other since they were children. But as they came of age, life threw rocks in their path, and they were separated for seven years.

After the tragic death of his father, Cass left to "find himself," not knowing that Brielle was pregnant. Their son Maxim was born, and due to the social norms at the time was brought up to believe he had been a deLohr orphan.

When Cassien and Brielle were finally reunited, much explaining had to be done, and Brielle, with her deLohr temper and deep wounds in her heart, wasn't ready to açcept Cass back into her life even though she had never stopped loving him (nor he, her).

It took some time to mend the heartache, but mend it they did, eventually becoming the happy and deeply loving family they both always wanted.

This story evoked strong, raw emotions with compelling conflicts and exciting events with warm and satisfying resolutions. As always, I highly recommend Kathryn LeVeque's storytelling of this genre of history.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJax de Velt has been a long time favorite of mine, so reading about his youngest son Cassius as he struggled through his earlier years loving Brie and feeling that he was a most accomplished knight you feel for Ajax as he tries to get his son to realize he’s too young to marry. Like most over indulged babies of the family, Cass thought he knew more than his father. So typical… They parted with loving words from Ajax and anger from Cass. As a parent sometimes we can so easily see the brick walls our children are headed for, but naturally they feel as parents, we know nothing ( cuz we are to old to understand), they believe everything is different, and parents are just being hateful. Kathryn always creates characters that experience so many different emotions that you’ll be laughing one minute and a few pages later you’re grabbing for your tissue box. 😍 Easily to recommend as the characters and families stay with you and are interwoven through the books. Just a note: always have a tissue box close, she’s a master of tugging on your heart strings. 😍

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassian is the youngest son of Jax de Velt. Serving Christopher de Lohr at Lioncross Abbey, Cassian is prized as a strong knight, but still growing in maturity. Brielle de Lohr and Cassian have loved each other for several years. Now in their early twenties, Cassian wants to marry Brielle. At first she says yes, but their fathers want them to wait until Cassian is more experienced and mature. Brielle agrees. Cassian feels betrayed by his father and hers. An angry Cassian retaliates with harsh words to his father. Tragedy strikes and Cassian leaves Lioncross Abbey and disappears for seven years. After looking for several years and then thinking him dead, Brielle's family finds him at a jousting tournament competing as The Dark Conqueror. Old hurts and distrust continue to keep he and Brielle apart. So many secrets. It seems as if they will never have a happy ending. This is a standalone, but I recommend reading The Dark Spawn first.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Helen Melissa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful writer who is not only already great but is still getting better every book.

I love Kathryn Le Veque's books. To my knowledge I have read everyone that is currently in print. I think that each book gets better than the ones before it. I believe that I own a good number of the ebooks and I read them over and over again. I have chronic pain and quite a few other medical problems so if you're books have helped to distract me that means to me that they are very interesting. I would read them even if I didn't have chronic pain.I also wanted to bring up the fact even if you're style may have changed over the years. All of your books are treasures, but everyone also grows and evolves with time and that is a great thing. I can wait for the next book. I made myself wait two days after I got it to read it because I wanted to say savor it as long as could . Thank you for your knights and ladies,and the disgusting humor that always seems to come around when there are no women .

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride and consequences.

Cass is the youngest son of Jax deVelt. Brielle is the daughter of Christopher deLour. Cass and Brielle have been in love since he was 12. Everyone knew they would marry but when he asked his father and her father for permission he was told that he need to mature more before he was ready. So hurt that he was not supported by his father in something that was so important to him, he felt anger, humiliation and hurt. He said things that he could not take back. That started a 7 year long absence from the people he loved because he did not feel worthy. When he reappeared he found the consequences of his absence and had to struggle to make it right for the woman he loves. This is a fantastic story of wisdom from age, consequences, love and forgiveness. Loved, loved loved this book. However, I still struggle with the many, many, many editing errors, just like the last book.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassian de Velt has fallen in love with Christopher de Lohr’s daughter Brielle or Bri. In their youth their love and friendship is strong. but life happens, his pride, poor judgement and circumstances pull them apart when Cassian is banished from the her life by her father. Fate has a way of bringing them back together. Can they recover the love they’ve lost and give their love a second chance to have the love of a lifetime they both deserve? Get the tissues ready for this emotional story! I have voluntarily read and reviewed the great book that has a story so intricately woven with history and romance as Kathryn le Veque takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.

[Helen Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite of the Series!

I have not read the 7th book, but this was the best to me. First, I hate that Jax is gone! My emotions while reading this book were all over the place. I felt everything as I read it. It is a compelling story. Kathryn Le Veque is a fabulous author. I have read many of her books. The first was The Crusader and that was just the beginning of my interest in reading her stories. I was hooked! So I encourage you to read this series, read all of her books! They are all great reading, wonderful entertainment and CERTAINLY surpass anything on tv these days!!

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much love emotions and sweetness between Cass and Brie in the first part and the chemistry they shared that I thought for sure I will give 5 stars no less.But then came the second part and then the third and last.I adore some of the the books by this author but this book was a disappointing from part two till the end.It’s one of the books you have this feeling someone else is writing it’s just not possible that a skilled author like KLV messed this story with so much potential up.So I really think every part was written by another person.

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love story

Cassian the son of Jax de Velt and Brielle the daughter of Christopher de Lohr were madly in love and wanted to marry but their fathers thought they were too young. Cassian has a terrible fight with his father and they part ways with Cassian being angered at his father. Jax was killed when the king attacked his home and Cassian was upset at the way he and his father parted ways. He ends up leaving Lioncross Abbey where he was and went off to find his self not knowing Brielle was pregnant with his child. He was gone for 7 years before seeing her again.

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so bittersweet......

KLV is the queen of medieval emotional rollercoaster romance. If you looking this type of historical fiction read, where you need to cry just pick one of KLV's books. This storyline covers the reaction of Ajax De Velt's death, with his son Cassius and beloved Brielle de Lohr, like I said in the first sentence, emotional rollercoaster and grab the tissues!! Just can't wait for the next one to be released...... This author rocks.

[Pam E · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotionally gripping, get your tissues ready

Kathryn, I never cried so much reading one of your books! But it was so good! I love how you draw the families into the drama. The families are amazing in your books and reflect so many facets of the time period! Cass and Briella are like any young couple with growing pains but their path to happiness so hard. I'm such a fan!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Assumptions

Deserves well over 5 Stars. Cassian de Velt and Brielle de Lohr story will have you glued to the pages. Not wanting to give absolutely nothing away all I can say is just Wow!!! This is definitely a keeper for me! This author has done a wonderful job creating the stories of the De Velt dynasty. I was very emotional reading The Dark Conqueror.

I will purchase a hard copy for my library.